STUDIES ON THE INTERACTION BETWEEN STAPHYLOCOCCAL ALPHA HEMOLY SIN AND RABBIT RED CELLS

Abstract

(1) Hemolysis with staphylococcal alpha hemolysin was maximal and constant between the pH's of 6.0 and 8.0.
(2) Succinic anhydride and iodine had inhibitory effects on alpha hemolysin. Fixation of hemolysin to red cells was affected by change in pH, and no attachment occurred at pH 10.5. These experimental results may show that phenolic hydroxyl and amino groups of hemolysin are necessary to fix hemolysin to red cells.
(3) Salt was required for hemolysis itself and not for attachment of hemolysin to red cells.
(4) The change in permeability of cell membrane by alpha hemolysin could not be demonstrated.
(5) Mg⁺⁺, Ba⁺⁺, Sr⁺⁺ and Ca⁺⁺ inhibited hemolysis.